The Dean in the community

A challenge to beat all challenges

Who would think that two young men on a two mile walk could
raise over £3,600 in just one afternoon? Such was the courage and
determination of two spine injured residents that, with the support
from staff and friends at the Dean Neuro Centre, they achieved not
just this amazing feat but also realised their personal goals
too.

Alistair Holyhead and Alex Callaghan were both residents at The
Dean for several months. Alistair had testicular cancer and spinal
metastases and was told it would be unlikely he would be able to
walk up the aisle to marry his long term sweetheart this autumn.
Alex lost all power and use of his legs following a life-changing
motor cross accident earlier this year. Both were admitted for
intensive rehabilitation at The Dean and have now been discharged
from the unit, able to walk unaided and get on with their intended
lives.

Whilst they were at the centre the men developed a natural
friendship and devised a walking challenge to raise awareness of
the specialist unit as well as funds for the Spinal Injuries
Association charity who have supported and encouraged them during
this time, too.

Without a walking frame or chair in sight, the pair stepped out
from the centre of Gloucester on the September Saturday, cheered on
by over 50 friends and family and walked nearly two miles back to a
rapturous reception and party at The Dean. En route they rattled
their cans and called in to thank the local businesses and
restaurants who had sponsored them in various ways. Back at The
Dean they then celebrated with a range of activities which Dean
staff had organised to boost the fund raising. These included a pig
roast, disco, raffle and tombola and a significant auction managed
by Alex himself which alone raised around £500. Amazing prizes for
this included a signed Rugby shirt and both an Aston Martin and
Bentley driving experience!

“Everyone was so generous” said Gemma …, The Dean’s Receptionist
who was pivotal in persuading so many contacts to support the
challenge. “Apart from the auction prizes, we were given lots of
meal vouchers by local restaurants, treatments from hair salons and
sports prizes, to name a few. It was just wonderful to have so much
interest and support.”

And it was not just Gemma who enjoyed the event. One lady on
respite care wrote to The Dean afterwards with the comment “… the
afternoon was superb, made even more so by the fact that the staff
seemed to be committed and happy to give up their free time in
order that the afternoon was a success”.

For Alex and Alistair the event was important to demonstrate to
their family and friends the achievements of the therapies and care
they received, and show their appreciation by raising awareness of
the centre.